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(Norfolk Southern corp. issued the following news release on September 30.)

NORFOLK, Va. — NS Newsbreak is published monthly for employees and retirees of Norfolk Southern Corporation. It is available on the Web at:
http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/

This month’s stories include:

Local operating plan adherence improves customer service measures
Norfolk Southern continues to make strides in providing consistent and reliable customer service. The company implemented its Thoroughbred Operating Plan in 2001 and added Local Operating Plan Adherence in April 2003.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#plan
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NS weathers hurricane, massive power outage
Norfolk Southern people responded quickly to keep rail traffic moving following last month’s hurricane Isabel and August’s massive blackout.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#isabel
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Operating plans help NS generate new business
When a generator needed to be replaced immediately at an energy plant in Hinkle, Ore., Siemens Westinghouse, a power generation equipment supplier, called Norfolk Southern for help. A 200-ton replacement generator at Alexander City, Ala., had to be moved to Memphis, Tenn., for interchange with a western carrier. The Alabama Division faced a unique challenge.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#generator
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Analysis process being used to work smarter, add value
A new process for analyzing the work of Norfolk Southern departments, Activity Value Analysis, is being used to help contain general and administrative costs — costs not directly related to providing transportation service.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#analysis
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NS certifies first Six Sigma Canada Greenbelts
Norfolk Southern achieved another quality milestone with the certification of its first group of Greenbelts by Six Sigma Canada. Six Sigma is a data-driven problem solving methodology that NS uses to improve customer satisfaction, eliminate waste and increase profit.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#greenbelts
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Voluntary separation program announced
Norfolk Southern announced a voluntary separation program for nonagreement employees with at least two years of service.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#voluntary
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Carman celebrates 34 injury-free years, plus perfect attendance
Roger Collins achieved a double milestone as he retired from Norfolk Southern. The carman, who worked at Bulls Gap Yard in Tennessee, retired on Aug. 29 after 34 years of injury-free service. What’s more, he never missed a day of work. He even took vacation once when he was ill.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#carman
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Trip rates implemented for some UTU members
Norfolk Southern and the United Transportation Union have implemented NS’ first trip rate payroll system. Employees represented by the UTU on 18 former Nickel Plate assignments working out of Muncie and Fort Wayne, Ind., will have their rates of pay simplified by combining a number of separate arbitraries into a single trip payment.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#utu
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Returning to work? Call the medical department information line first
Norfolk Southern employees returning to work after a prolonged absence due to illness or furlough can speed the process by using the medical department’s information line.

http://www.nscorp.com/nscorphtml/newsbreak/1003/index.html#returning
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Are you a veteran? We want to hear your story
In November, Newsbreak and a special section of the Norfolk Southern Web site will feature information about NS employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. If you would like to submit your story for consideration, contact Newsbreak Editor Andrea Just by MEMO at aljust, e-mail at andrea.just@nscorp.com, by phone at (757) 823-5205 or U.S. mail at Three Commercial Place, Box 224, Norfolk, VA 23510.